This is a traditional Finnish coffee bread served by Finlanders throughout the world. This bread is sold at many church and fund raising teas. It is a drawing card. In our community if anyone can make "Finn Bun" as it is known, is something of an art. I am happy to keep the tradition going of serving it in our house with coffee.

7-8	Cups	White flour
2	Cups	Milk
1 1/4	Cups	Sugar
1	Tsp.	Salt
1/2	Lb.	Butter or 1 Cup safflower oil
3	Whole	Eggs
2	Pkgs	Yeast
2	Tsp.	Ground Cardamom

METHOD: Heat milk, sugar, salt & butter in microwave for 3 minutes on high (if using oil, add oil separately). In a bowl prepare yeast as directed on package. In a large mixing bowl beat 3 eggs. Add luke warm milk mixture, oil if used. Beat in 1 cup of flour. Add prepared yeast and ground cardamom. Add flour beating with beaters until too stiff to beat. Knead by hand, continue adding flour until dough feels smooth and easy to handle and doesn't stick to the hands. Place in large greased bowl (cover with towell) and let rise until doubled. Punch down and shape into braids. Place on greased cookie sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with slivered almonds and additional sugar (enough to cover lightly). Let rise approximately 1/2 hour or until pan feels light. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

VARIATION: Rasins may be added to the mixture half way into adding the flour. Also cinnamon buns may be made by rolling dough into a rectangle, cover with butter, sprinkle generously with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll and cut into slices approximately 1". Place in greased pan and let rise approximately 1/2 hour. Bake approx. 20 minutes or until golden. This recipe yields 3 or 4 braids and 1 pan of cinnamon buns, depending on what is desired.